Guide to Latex Clothing

The fabric of our hottest sexual fantasies, say hello to latex. We’ve just launched our new range, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. It makes a killer fashion statement, and our pieces certainly aren’t restricted to the bedroom. It’s about time you embraced your kinky side, and there’s no sexier way to do it than with our seriously seductive latex collection.

If you're new to the land of latex, you've come to the right place. We're going to teach you all you need to know, guiding you every step of the way, from fitting, to styling to aftercare.

Latex Basics

Latex isn’t just for the brave; anybody can wear it. You definitely don’t have to be a dominatrix or enjoy bondage to rock the style, but if you’ve never worn latex before there are a few things you need to know.

Even if you regularly use condoms, the first thing you should do before purchasing an item of latex is check that you're not allergic to the material. Trust us, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry - nothing is worse than ending an evening of pleasure with the wrong kind of pain.

To check for allergies, place small pieces of latex (we recommend cutting up a disposable latex glove) securely beneath your clothing, leaving them on your skin for a few hours. You’ll be wearing your latex piece all night long, so it’s wise to test how the material will react with your skin over time.

Getting in and out of latex can be a little tricky. We suggest you grab a partner or friend who’ll be happy to help you in and out of the pieces, and be on standby in case you get stuck. We know – it doesn’t sound that sexy, but we promise once the outfit is on you’ll be looking hotter than ever.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Latex is stretchy by nature, so don’t be alarmed if you receive your item and it looks a little bit smaller than you were expecting. You want a skin-tight fit, so a little bit of wriggling is usually required to squeeze yourself in.

With latex, the tighter the fit, the better. Rather than accentuating every bump, it sucks everything in, gives you a super smooth silhouette and accentuates your curves. Deducting 2-3 inches off your normal measurements tends to be the general rule for ensuring your latex pieces fit perfectly.

Girls, it’s also time to ditch the underwear. Latex is such a tight material that even the smallest G-string will have a VPL.

Let’s Get It On

Looking good takes effort, and latex requires some prepping before you can put it on. Rubber tends to grip by nature, so you need to add a little bit of slip to help it slide on.

Lube is a favourite here at Ann Summers, and we’re always talking about how universal it is. Latex is no exception, and as long as you choose a silicone-based lube rather than an oil-based product, your latex won’t be damaged. It really is latex’s best friend.

You can use a specialised dressing aid to help you get dressed too; we recommend the Pjur Cult Latex Dressing Aid which is a favourite amongst latex lovers.

Lube or dressing aid at the ready, turn your garment inside out and add a thin layer to your item. You don’t need to add too much, just enough to help your garment, whether it’s our mini dress, pencil skirt or curve-hugging leggings, slide on easily. For pieces that go over your head, you might want to opt for a powder like cornflour instead. As useful as lube is, nobody wants it in their hair. Especially when you’ve just spent time making it so gorgeous.

Latex is a delicate fabric, and even with lube it can be damaged easily. Remove all jewellery and watch your fingernails – they can leave permeant marks in the material. Rather than pulling the latex on, the best way to slide into your daring new outfit is to place your hands inside, push the latex away from you and lift it up your body. We call this a push and shift motion, and the key is to take is really slow.

If you’re still struggling, you can add a little bit of lube to your body to reduce the resistance. Warming up the latex makes it stretchier and easier to slide into too.

It gets easier with practice, we promise, but once you’re in and looking fierce you’ll feel ready to dominate the entire room, whether you’re headed straight to bed or off for a night on the dancefloor.

Maintain the Shine

If you’ve been using powder to help you squeeze into your latex pieces, make sure you clean it and wipe off any excess powder with a wet cloth first. Once it’s clean, you simply have to spray the shiner directly onto the latex and polish it with a polishing cloth. You can wear your latex as you polish it, but the shiner can make things feel pretty cold.

To add some heat back into the bedroom, you can ditch the polishing cloth and have your partner shine the latex with their hands instead.

Aftercare

We want our customers to be able to enjoy our latex collection again and again, and taking great care of your pieces is essential to ensure they have a long life. Latex is really sensitive to oils, which is why we only recommend silicone-based lube, but the natural oils in your skin can cause the material to slowly biodegrade too.

Cleaning your latex thoroughly and as soon as possible is the best way to keep your pieces perfect. You’ll need a sponge or a soft cloth, and some lukewarm soapy water. Mild soaps or even baby shampoo are ideal for cleaning latex; just double check they don’t contain oil before you use them.

Turn your clothing inside out, gently work the soap into a lather and wipe clean. Make sure you avoid scrubbing, and don’t wring out the material once it’s clean. Pat off any excess water with a towel, and leave it out to dry. Then that’s it, your latex is completely clean and ready for round two.

Latex and sunlight aren't friends, so we recommend storing your latex in a cool, dry place. If you’re hanging your pieces up, place them in a garment bag. If not, you can wrap them up in acid-free tissue paper and place them into a black plastic bag.

Latex is incredibly erotic, and we wouldn’t be surprised if we’ve put you in the mood for something a little more adventurous in the bedroom.

Time to explore...

If you and your partner are feeling inspired and want to keep things kinky, make sure you take a look at our Bondage Guide for Beginners too. Have fun and play safe.